Dog Grooming, Cert. - SUNY Niagara

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A smiling groomer leans over a grooming table to look at a small Pomeranian dog with its tongue sticking out.

Dog Grooming, Cert.

Program Overview

Through classroom study and hands-on animal management practices, students will learn about animal behavior, husbandry, and the essentials of grooming companion animals. Coursework includes introductory skills in animal first aid, training, health and disease management, and small business operations. Internships and practical labs will be experienced in animal care facilities, rescue organizations, and grooming practices. Hands-on learning will include bathing, drying, and trimming coat, with an emphasis on hygiene and health. Students will develop the professional and technical skills needed in the animal care and grooming industry.

Career information and opportunities

Dog Grooming, Certificate

SUNY Niagara’s Dog Grooming Certificate gets you job-ready in two semesters. You learn to bathe, dry and trim dogs, plus animal behavior, first aid and how to run a small business.

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What careers does a Dog Grooming Certificate lead to?

  • Professional dog groomer
  • Animal care specialist
  • Small business owner or salon operator
  • Pet training assistant
  • Veterinary assistant
  • Animal rescue and welfare advocate
  • Animal shelter manager

Some of these careers, such as shelter manager, may need more education or experience.

What will I learn to do?

  • Bathe, dry and trim a dog’s coat
  • Read animal behavior
  • Handle and restrain animals safely
  • Give animal first aid and CPR
  • Spot signs of health problems and disease
  • Run a small business

You learn in the classroom and through hands-on labs and an internship with real animals.

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How much can I earn?

Median yearly pay in the U.S., May 2025
JobMedian per year
Animal caretakers (includes groomers)$35,360
Veterinary assistants$38,150
Animal trainers$39,990

Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. Groomers who own their business set their own prices, so their pay can differ.

Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook?

  • Animal caretakers: Jobs are expected to grow 12% from 2025 to 2035. That is much faster than average.
  • Veterinary assistants: Jobs are expected to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035. That is much faster than average.
  • Animal trainers: Jobs are expected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than average.

The average for all jobs is 3%. About 69,400 animal care jobs open each year. As more homes have pets, demand for groomers keeps growing.

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Where do groomers work?

  • Grooming salons
  • Mobile grooming services
  • Pet supply stores
  • Boarding kennels
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Animal shelters and rescues

Your labs and internship take place in animal care facilities, rescue groups and grooming businesses, so you meet employers before you finish.

Can I work for myself?

Yes. About 25% of animal caretakers are self-employed. Many groomers open a salon or a mobile grooming van. The program’s small business course helps you plan for that.

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How do I get there?

  1. Learn animal behavior, handling and care in your first semester.
  2. Build grooming, first aid and training skills in your second semester.
  3. Finish your internship and your 29-credit certificate.
  4. Start as a groomer, then grow into salon manager or owner.

Most groomers learn by working under an experienced groomer. This certificate gives you that hands-on start.

Which courses prepare me?

  • AMG 250 Intro to Grooming Practice
  • AMG 230 Domestic Companion Care
  • AMG 100 Intro to Animal Husbandry
  • BIO 134 Animal Behavior
  • AMG 203 Capture and Restraint
  • AMG 131 Animal First Aid and CPR
  • AMG 102 Zoonotic Disease
  • AMG 102L Animal Management I Lab (Internship)
  • AMG 205 Animal Training
  • AMG 132 Animal Rescue, Welfare, and Advocacy
  • AMG 202 Record Keeping
  • BUS 122 Small Business Management

You practice the full job, from safe handling and hygiene to running the front desk of your own shop.

Sources
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Last updated:

Program Coordinators